Suter Science Seminars

Monday, February 15, 2010, 4 p.m.

Science Center #106

Clinical Ethical Decision Making

Robert Shabanowitz, Ph.D.

Bioethics involves critical reflection on moral/ethical
problems faced in health care settings. Principle-based
ethical theory is currently available to guide health
care professionals in clinical decision-making when
they face ethical dilemmas. These principles include
respect for autonomy, nonmaleficence, beneficence
and distributive justice. In a pluralistic democratic
society, clinical ethical decision making is complicated by competing value systems.
We will explore ethical decision making from both a principle-based and narrative
ethics approach.

Co-Sponsor:
Shenandoah Anabaptist Scientific Society

About the Presenter

Robert has a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from Elmira College, a Master of
Science and Doctor of Philosophy from Kent State University, and a Master of
Arts Degree in Bioethics from the Medical College of Wisconsin. He finished
his postdoctoral studies at the Laboratories for Reproductive Biology at the
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. As an Assistant Professor in the
Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at UNC, Robert spent five years as the
Laboratory Director for the In Vitro & Fertilization program at Chapel Hill.

Robert came to Geisinger Medical Center in February, 1991 to develop a
laboratory for advanced reproductive technologies. The program has helped
infertile couples deliver over 376 children since opening in 1992.

Robert joined the Bioethics Review and Advisory Committee in 1996 and has
been co-chairman since 2002. His current interests are in organizational ethics
and the ethics of medical marketing.